Just 17 kilometres from Málaga is the town of Cártama in the Guadalhorce Valley. The town is famous for its citrus and meat product production and has a long architectural and cultural legacy. It"s located strategically within the province, bordering eight other towns and with very good links to the capital. This well connected location has resulted in different groups of people throughout history settling in its territory, starting with the Phoenicians. The Arabs were the group who gave the town its current name and changed Cártama into an economic, political and military focus point.

Its main city centres are Cártama Pueblo and Cártama Estación.

MUST SEE SIGHTS IN CÁRTAMA

MONUMENTS

The various civilisations that settled in Cártama built a town that now has a very unique and interesting map. One of the first significant buildings you will discover upon arrival in this town is the fort. The Castillo de Cártama was built by the Romans, remodelled and reused by the Arabs and employed by the Christian soldiers during the Reconquest. From the castle, you will see a unique panoramic view of the meadows of Guadalhorce.

Another high up location with fantastic views is the chapel of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, built on the Monte de la Virgen. The shrine has been declared a Location of Cultural Interest and dates back to the 16th century. Also from this era, is the image of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, which, according to legend, was found by a local shepherd. The region"s devotion to the Patron Saint of Cártama means that the pilgrimages in her name are among the most important religious events that take place.

So strong is this devotion, that the Patron Saint also has a museum in her honour. In 2007 the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Museum was opened during the Patron Saint's festival. You will find it next to the parish of San Pedro.

Following our route we come to the church of San Pedro, built in the 16th century on a site that, at the time, housed a mosque. This church combines various architectural styles including Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance elements, and conserves the old mosque"s minaret, which today has become a tower.

It has also has a large 20th century iron bridge. This bridge over the River Guadalhorce serves to link the two city centres: Cártama Estación and Cártama Pueblo. Lastly, other points of interest in the town include: a house museum about the poet and rhapsode, González Marín, the house of José Alarcón Luján and a 16th century fountain.